A Lavish Cruise Through Burma

Pagodas rise above the landscape seen while cruising through Myanmar
Pagodas rise above the landscape seen while cruising through Myanmar.

Exploring South East Asia: A Cruise Through Burma

By Luke Dowley

In my travels, I have never been one to enjoy the conventional cruise ship excursion. Often, these large floating hotels just float from country to country, allowing their thousands of passengers out for a day or two of beach relaxation before moving on to the next location, with no cultural interaction.

This method of travel may appeal to some, and I am by no means resigning this style of vacation to the mundane, I just prefer a slightly more intimate experience when seeking out my methods of exploration.

So where does one go when they are seeking the luxury and relaxation of a cruise ship, but wish to escape the droves of vacationers and packed decks? The answer may surprise you.

Scenic Cruises USA offers a spectacular cruise through Burma on a luxurious vessel.

The Shwedagon Pagoda glowing in the evening light
The Shwedagon Pagoda glowing in the evening light

Ancient golden pagodas surrounded by lush green forestry, cities teeming with vibrant culture, and a breathtaking landscape to rival any, welcome to The Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Burma

More commonly known as Burma, this country shares borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand, bringing together many of Asia’s iconic cultures into a melange of beauty and history.

So where do cruises fall into this mix? While Myanmar’s coastline does make up one-third of its border, the only way to see this land by boat is along the Irrawaddy River, which cuts its way down the center of the country.

Traditional Burmese Cuisine
Traditional Burmese Cuisine
Cruising down the river as the sun sets.
Cruising down the river as the sun sets.

Just 28 Suites

Forget thousands of fellow cruise-goers, this small ship houses just 28 suites and is designed for the most intimate of experiences with your surroundings. Of the four styles of suites, all have their own balcony looking out over the water, with the Mandalay suite being the largest as a spacious 409 square feet. Full butler service, complimentary spa visits, and shoe shinning only scratch the surface of this package.

Beyond the luxurious rooming accommodations, you’ll find that the lavish design of this ship extends to all corners, with fine dining and plenty of places to lay out on deck as you drift along.

Although descriptions of the ship are enough to entice those in search of the most relaxing of excursions, what really makes this adventure to South East Asia special is the expanses of land you will be able to see while you’re there.

Taking it In

On most of my trips, I utilize what I will refer to as conventional modes of travel: flight to the destination, train rides between cities, and exploration on foot. While this technique has its benefits, it does establish significant distinctions between my travel time and my time to explore (it’s quite difficult to slow down a train to enjoy the view!).

Aboard a cruise vessel in Myanmar.
Aboard a cruise vessel in Myanmar.

By traveling through Myanmar via a cruise along the Irrawaddy River, you will be able to slowly take in the views drifting by, and stop at many points in-between to get up close to the countless riverside sights to be seen.

The tour lasted 11 days, with 10 days spent traveling down the river. The group convenes in Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar and the largest city in the country, where after a day to sette after a long flight you will experience a full city tour and a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Known in English as the Great Dragon Pagoda, this ornate golden religious monument can be seen for miles as it stands over three hundred feet tall. It is over two thousand years old.

The next day it is time to embark on the RV Scenic Aura and begin the cruise north with a night of dinner and entertainment with the other guests, en route to the first destination: Thayetmyo.

Each day relaxation time will be mixed with excursions off of the ship. In Magwe you will visit the Myat Than Lun Pagoda, constructed out of solid gold bricks. In Tan Kyi, the group will travel to the top of a nearby mountain to watch the sunset over the Bagan plains. Each stop will allow you to explore with the assistance of knowledgeable staff who have experienced the adventure many times themselves and are happy to show you the beauty the country has to offer.

The bustling streets of Yangon
The bustling streets of Yangon

ScenicUSA’s package in Myanmar in perfect for those looking to break away from the world of conventional luxury cruises and explore an exotic land without losing the feeling of a relaxing extended stay.

Luke Bio Pic lnd thumbLuke Dowley is a former Editorial Assistant for GoNOMAD.com who has started a company using drone aircraft for photography based in Amherst MA.

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